The 2024 Pacific Nations Cup has introduced an exciting new format aimed at enhancing global rugby competitiveness in preparation for the expanded Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027. Organized by World Rugby in collaboration with six participating unions—Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA—the tournament features two pools.
Pool A includes Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, while Pool B consists of Japan, the USA, and Canada. Each team will compete in two matches, one of which will be a home game, during a three-week pool stage taking place from August 23 to September 7. The top two teams from each pool will progress to the semi-finals.
The elimination rounds commence on September 14 with the 5th place playoff held at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo. Following this, the first semi-final will take place on the same day at the same venue, while the second semi-final is scheduled for the following day. The tournament will conclude on September 21 with the 3rd place playoff and the Grand final at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.
Excitement is building for the opening match on August 23, where the FIJI Water Flying Fijians will face off against a formidable Manu Samoa team at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva at 6 PM. This year’s competition will also test new rugby laws and incorporate some law changes, adding further intrigue to the matches.
In its 17th year, the Pacific Nations Cup remains a key event on the rugby calendar. The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are the reigning champions, having secured the title last year at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, which marked their sixth championship win, including four consecutive titles from 2015 to 2018. As the tournament approaches, fans and teams eagerly anticipate a showcase of high-caliber rugby that will also lay the groundwork for future international events. The new format and regulations are set to present fresh challenges and underscore the sport’s ongoing evolution.